The Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima with the three shepherd children evokes the Marian apparitions that took place in 1917 in Cova da Iria, Fatima, Portugal. Three young shepherd children, Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, witnessed six apparitions of the Virgin Mary between May and October. The Madonna, introducing herself as the "Lady of the Rosary", called for prayer, penance and conversion for world peace and the salvation of souls. She asked for the daily recitation of the Rosary and the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. The apparitions culminated with the "Miracle of the Sun" on October 13, observed by thousands of people. Today, Fatima is one of the most important Marian shrines, a destination for pilgrimages from all over the world, a symbol of hope and a call to faith.